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One of the most popular recipes on our blog is for Hummingbird Cake. This classic Southern dessert is a combination of banana, pineapple, and coconut flavors, topped with cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion! We’ve updated our recipe to include a step-by-step video tutorial, so you can make this delicious cake yourself. Click the link below to watch the video and get started!
A Brief History of Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird cake is thought to have originated in Jamaica, where it was known as the “doctor bird” cake. The name comes from the national bird of Jamaica, the red-billed streamertail, which is also known as the hummingbird. The cake became popular in the United States in the 1970s, when Air Jamaica began promoting it as a tourist attraction.
The original recipe for hummingbird cake included ingredients like mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut. It was typically baked in a 9×13 inch pan and served as a sheet cake. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include variations like pecans, cream cheese frosting, and even rum!
Whether you make it the traditional way or put your own spin on it, hummingbird cake is sure to be a hit!
Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil until well blended. Add eggs and beat just until combined. Stir in pineapple, bananas, coconut and vanilla. Add flour mixture and mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.
Things to Advoice When Making Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe
1. This recipe is best made in a bundt cake. If you don’t have one, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Be sure to grease and flour the pan(s) well so the cake will release easily.
3. To get that perfect hummingbird cake texture, be sure to use very ripe bananas. The riper the better!
4. This cake is traditionally made with pecans, but you could also use walnuts or even leave them out altogether.
5. Be sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. Otherwise, your frosting will melt right off!
6. This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly cooled. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions | Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe
1. What is hummingbird cake?
Hummingbird cake is a traditional Southern cake that is typically made with bananas, pineapple, and pecans. It is often flavored with cinnamon and has a dense, moist texture.
2. How did hummingbird cake get its name?
There are a few different stories about how this cake got its name. One theory is that the cake is named after the tropical bird because it is filled with fruits that are favored by hummingbirds. Another story claims that the cake was created by an enterprising baker who wanted to use up some overripe bananas and decided to add other flavorful ingredients to make a delicious and unique cake. Whatever the origin story, we can all agree that this cake is delicious!
3. What are some of the key ingredients in hummingbird cake?
The key ingredients in hummingbird cake are bananas, pineapple, and pecans. These ingredients give the cake its characteristic flavor and dense, moist texture.
4. How do you make hummingbird cake?
There are many different recipes for hummingbird cake, but they all typically include bananas, pineapple, pecans, and cinnamon. To make the cake, you will need to mix all of the ingredients together and bake it in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Can I make hummingbird cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make hummingbird cake ahead of time. In fact, this is a great cake to make ahead because it only gets better with age. Simply bake the cake and then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
6. How do I store hummingbird cake?
Hummingbird cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep the cake fresh for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
7. Can I freeze hummingbird cake?
Yes, you can freeze hummingbird cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Gluten Free
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- measuring cups and spoons
- sifter
- large bowl
- electric mixer
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup oil
- ⅓ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in the oil and water until well blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with your favorite frosting or glaze. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This cake is perfect for any occasion: from a birthday to a simple family dinner. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are always delicious. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned hummingbird cake recipe that will never let you down, look no further!
Read more at Ohsnap Cupcakes!